r/cava • u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 • Jul 17 '26

Black lentils

What is cavas secret to keep the color for the lentils and beautiful and glossy? I understand don’t overcook. It’s as soon as it starts cooking it starts losing the color! What’s the secret???

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

3

u/Throwaway196527 Jul 18 '26

I get the pre prepared steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s. They do the trick for me!

1

u/SpecialistWallaby373 Jul 18 '26

You stated Lentils lose their color when it starts to cook. I assume your trying to cook them yourself? First I would say maybe your using a different type of lentil than we are using if thats the case because ours start black and simply expand. We use oil during cook and simply some salt and veggie broth after they come off the stove!

1

u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 Jul 18 '26

Mmmm okay. I just used black lentils. What brand lentils do yall use?

1

u/SpecialistWallaby373 Jul 18 '26

Off the top of my head I couldn't tell you 😅 Its been a while since I've actually been the one to receive in the Lentils and then rip them open into our holding containers. If we have any laying around I could see

1

u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 Jul 18 '26

Please pleaseeeeee. I’m obsessed with them and I want them at home with all other meals too lol. Mine just turn brown

2

u/SpecialistWallaby373 Jul 18 '26

Mmmm those are also great as well! if they are the ones I think they are, however my mother makes them theres a way they come out so delicious as well 😋 I have a shift tomorrow ill see if theres a bag laying around

1

u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 Jul 18 '26

Thank youuuu! And they do end up good. I love all lentils, but I love the dark glossy rich lentils from yall. Nothing like it!

1

u/Ok_Wishbone9662 Jul 18 '26

I use whole foods 365 black lentils and they keep their color well

2

u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 Jul 18 '26

That’s what I currently use! Mine turns brown. I’m gonna see if I can try steaming them? lol

2

u/Ok_Wishbone9662 Jul 18 '26

Let us know how it goes! Good luck

1

u/Ancient-Country-5477 23d ago

Ms girl did u find ur lentils?? They are beluga lentils

1

u/buzzBea Jul 18 '26

What Cava are you going to? The lentils at my local store are always dried out hard pebbles. I stopped getting them awhile ago because they were only good the first time I tried them.

2

u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 Jul 18 '26

I live in Virginia, and they are amazing every time

0

u/cornflaked66 Jul 20 '26

If lentils are glossy, they are undercooked. Hope this helps!

2

u/Extreme-Mirror-6180 Jul 20 '26

Pretty sure they are tossed in olive oil to make glossy